Explore! Summer Camp Program Adapts to Coronavirus Limitations

WINTERVILLE—The Pitt Community College Continuing Education Department is moving forward with its annual Explore! Summer Camps program, despite limitations on course content and delivery as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Normally a wide-ranging series of hands-on learning opportunities for children ages six to 18 years old, this year’s Explore! options were reduced by social distancing measures needed to limit the pandemic’s spread. For the same reason, camps will meet online this summer rather than in-person, according to PCC Explore! Camp Coordinator Lisa Webb.

“Registration is underway for our Explore! Camps, and we’re excited about the quality and variety of programs we’re able to offer this summer, considering the difficult circumstances everyone’s facing,” Webb said. “We’ll utilize Black Rocket software, but the courses will be taught by our instructors, just as they were in previous years, when we could meet in-person.”

The 2020 Explore! Camp lineup features 11 different programs that fall within four basic categories: STEM, Music, Arts/Creative and Cooking. The first camp, “Kitchen Summer Sizzle–Family Edition,” gets underway June 2 and teaches participants the basics of preparing meals. The last, “Explore: iPad Art,” runs Aug. 10-14 and provides instruction on using a tablet to create digitally-painted images.

STEM topics range from computer programming and prototyping to finding the right niche to become the next YouTube star. There’s also “Rocket Kart Racers,” which will feature campers using professional 3D game development software to make a racing game in which they design tracks and customize karts and characters.

Children interested in music can learn how to play the guitar and ukulele. They can also explore outer space and beginning piano through “May the Force Be with You: Piano Space Explorers,” which uses space-themed activities to introduce them to music fundamentals. And then there’s “Rock Stars,” which assigns participants to bands for them to learn about ensemble playing, teamwork and achievement of musical objectives.

Webb says camps are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and range in cost from $30 to $144. She added that capacity and registration deadlines also vary.

PCC reserves the right to change camp instructors and cancel any camp prior to the first meeting due to limited enrollment. In the event of a cancellation, parents will be notified and fees refunded.

For information on submitting completed application forms and payment, contact Webb by email at lwebb@email.pittcc.edu. More details on this year’s camp lineup can be found on the PCC website.

05/26/2020